Dredging system



uga p 1924 c. J. BAER lfzzafuzfanrca' SYSTEM Filed Nqv. 29, 1922 5sheets-'sheet 1 ,h\ h. mf y Q w u n 00.0anoooanwnon ounuoaoonw anoaooooooooao an ooo Aug. 5, 1924. 11,503,680

c. J. BAER y DREDGING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 29, 192.2

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Aug.' 5 `19214.

E,503,680 c. .J. BAER DREDGING SYSTEM Filed NOV. 29 1922' 5 Sheets-Sheet5 yq/MW Z'fz man o P:

Patented Aug. 5, 1924.

unirse STATES CARL J. BAER, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

DREDGING SYSTEM.

Appncauon fuea november` 29, 1922. serieu no. 603,904.

T all fro/0m t may concern.'

Be it known that I, CARL J. BAER, a citizen of the United States,residing at St. Louis, State of Missouri, have invented certain neu7 anduseful Improvements in Dredging Systems, of which the following is aspecification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates primarily to means for and method of dredgingrivers and, more particularly, to the provision of means and methodswhereby navigable channels may be cut in beds of rives of shallowwaters, although, as hereinafter pointed out, the invent-ion may beeffectively practised in the deeper waters. rlhe invention alsocontemplates the removal of obstructive sand bars and alluvial deposits,whereby, in certain cases, a channel is restored.

The present method of forming navigable channels, except as pointed outin my Patent No. 1,399,286, issued Dec. 6, 1921, is by the utilizationof the well known steam dredges, usually carrying dredging buckets,which cut out the channel and deposit the sand and slit upon scows orbarges for removal. This system is, in some localities, prohibitivelyexpensive and is always a long and tedious undertaking.

My method contemplates the utilization of means confining the runningwater to the. proper limits and direction, thereby increasing the speedof said water and forcing it to take the desired path and cut the properchannel, or to remove the bar of sand or alluvial deposit. r1`he methodalso includes scraping the bed of the river to dislodge the upper stratathereof., in order that it may be more readily removed by the ruimingwater, as more particularly hereinafter pointed out.

The nature of the system devised by me for accomplishing the proposedresult, makes it appropriate that, before entering into the detailsthereof, 1 should briefly outline the technical considerations uponwhich it is based.

1 have therefore sought to devise a system which, by availing itself ofthe force of the current of the stream, should provide a permanentremedy, and one which involves a con'iparatively small original outlay,t0- gether with a minimum of subsequent work. This system as willhereinafter appear, consists not only in initially cutting channels inlarge inland waterways above the present point of navigation, but informing such channels in tributaries; also in removing bars of sand oralluvial deposits which have partially or wholly blocked the previouslyformed channels, the necessary power for carrying out the major portionof the work being in all cases furnished by the force of the water ofthe stream, confined within certain predetermined limits.

The accompanying drawings which forni a part of this specification,illustrate my method and a novel apparatus capable of practising it.

This application is a continuation, in part, of my application, SerialNo. 323,472, Dredging systems, tiled September 13, 1919.

1n the drawings Figure 1 is a detailed plan view, showing the dredgingunits in position to cut a channel or to remove a sand bar; Figure 1a isa perspective view of one end of the connecting bar,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the larger unitshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one of the larger units shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the propelling elements of the largeunit.

Fig. 5 is a section taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5a is a section through one of the side plates;

Fig. 6 is a detail of the method of attachment of the swinging plates ashereinafter more particularly described;

Fig. 7 is a detailed plan view,lool ing down on one of the smaller unitsshown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the unit shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 9 is a cross-section on line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a detail of the traction devices used on the smaller units;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary, partial section, taken on line 11-11, Fig. B;

Fig. 12 is a detail showing the hinge connection of the side plates;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail, showing the means for forming thesingle channel for certain of the slidable plates carried by the largeunit, and

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary detail showing the means for forming the doublechannel for the sldable plates.

My method is practised by the use of instrumentalities which, forpurposes of brevity, might be termed a fleet. It is composed of a largeboat, A, which may be termed the mother boat, and a plurality of muchsmaller boats, B, which may appropriately be termed The mother boat.

The mother boat A is shown in Figs. 1, 2,

3, 4t, 5 and 11 only. Preferably although not necessarily it is abarge-like structure of approximately 200 feet in length and 50 feet inwidth. Since most of the operations vhereinafter described will becarried out in rivers of shallow waters, the mother boat is constructedwith a very light draft. Such a boat, under maximumload, will draw only36 inches of water. The boat A is equipped with propelling mechanisms 1,preferably two sets on each side, and adapted to produce a speed of 12miles per hour, under maximum load. Suitable driving motors M, areprovided for the propelling mechanisms 1, and said mechanisms arevertically adjustable, as shown in Fig. el, but, since these mechanismsare specifically described and claimed in my co-pending application No.572,748, filed July 3, 1922, further reference thereto herein is thoughtunnecessary.

The boat A is also provided with water compartments N, and the valves V,and pumps P, necessary for varying its displacement, in a manner similarto that shown in my Patent No. 1,399,286, hereinbefore re ferred to. Itis also equipped with a pilot house 2, and a covered archway 3, underthe pilot house.

The boat A is provided with a plow point or bow 4, and a stern 5, theupper surface of which tapers downwardly and outwardlyV at 6, tofacilitate the operation of loading the smaller units B, C, D, etc.,thereon. The upper inclined surface 6, of the stern, is provided with aplurality of separated girders on tracks 7, 7, which may be 6 or 8inches above the floor, and for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The sides 8, 8, of the boat A are straight longitudinally, and extendvertically in a stra-ight line. At the poi-nt of merger of the sidesinto the pointed bow section, plates 9, 9, are pivoted, at 10, 10, oneon each side of the boat. Since the two plates are duplicates, adescription of one of them will suffice.

Each plate 9 is hingedly connected at 11, to a second plate 12, bothplates extending downwardly, from a point above the water line, to aposition such that its lower edge is somewhat above the keel 1a of theboat. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the plates are adapted to beswung outwardly awa-y from the boat, for a purpose to be laterdescribed.

In order to swing the plates 9 and 12, .l provide a shaft 141, inscrew-threaded engagement with a split bearing block 15 fixed tosupports 16 and 1T, secured inside the boat A, as shown in Fig. 5. Theshaft extends through a screw-threaded aperture centrally provided in acog wheel 18, the hub of which is located within the split bearing-block15, ball bearings 19 being interposed to facilitate rotation of thewheel 18. Fixed to a shaft operatively connected to the boat motors, isa pinion 29, adapted to mesh with the teeth on the wheel 18, suitableclutch mechanism, not shown, being provided, whereby the gears 18, 20may be thrown into or out of mesh, or whereby the gear 18 may be rotatedforwardly or baci;- ward-ly. It is obvious that by the constructionshown and described, a rotation of the wheel 18 in one direction willmove the shaft 14- laterally, to swing the plates towards or away fromthe boat, while a reverse rotation of the wheel 18 will move said shaftlaterally in an opposite direction.

The shaft 11i extends through a stuffing box 21, in the side 8 of theboat A, its outer end being provided with' a double-headed pin 22,riding in a slot 23, in a bracket 211, secured to the inner face of theplate 12, as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6. There is a shaft 111, andits operating mechanism, for each plate 9 and 12 on each side of theboat.

It will be noted in Fig. 12, that the adjoining ends of the plates 9 and12 are pivotally connected by means of a rod 25 passing throughapertured `brackets 26, carried at the top and bottom of the plates 9andV 12. The rod 25 is provided with a head at its lower end, and may besecured in position at its upper end by means of a pin or nut, as willbe understood.

rlhe motors M are connected to the propelling mechanisms 1, 1, and areadapted to drivethe boat, under load, at a speed of about 12 miles perhour. These motors are also connected to the shaft which rotates thepinion 20, shown in Fig. 5.

The displacement of the boat A may be varied by emptying or flooding thecompartments N, N, by means of the valves V, V, and the pump P, as willbe understood.

The dredging boat.

The dredging units B, are exactly similar, and a descriptionV of oneonly will suffice.

As shown in Fig. l, they are much smaller than the boat A. Each of theunitsV B, is provided on each side, with flat plates adapted, ashereinafter explained, for upward and downward movement. Each side ofthe boat is equipped with a tractor element, provided with projectionswhich are adapted to propel the boat through the water, at a low speed,or to permit it to travel or crawl along` the bottom of the water. lncertain respects the boat B is similar to the dam unit described andclaimed in my Fatent No. 1,399,286, heretofore referred to.

Since bot-h sides of the unit B are alike, a description of the tractorelement on one side will suflice. Said tractor element is driven bymeans of a motor 29, provided with a drive shaft 30 extending rearwardlyof the unit B. A worm gear 3l is mounted in alignment with said shaft30, suitable clutch mechanism 32 being provided whereby the shaft 30 mayoperate said gear 3l. A. cog wheel 33, mounted on a shaft 34 engages thespirals of the gear 3l and is driven thereby. A gear wheel 35 is mountedon a shaft 36, also carrying a gear wheel 37, and a chain or tractorelement 39 engages the wheel 37v and the cog wheel 33. The tract-orelement 39 is formed of a plurality of connected chain links 40, asshown in Fig. l0, and said links are trained over the teeth of the wheel35, as shown in Fig. 8. lt will be obvious from the foregoing that, whenthe gear 3l is connected, through the clutch 32, to the rotating shaft30, the tractor element 39 will be driven to the left. Since there is aworm gear 32, and suitable clutch mechanism therefor, on each side ofthe unit, it is clear that the tractor 39 on one side may be idle, andthe tractor 39 on the other side be moving, if desirable in the steeringoperations.

The tractor element 39 runs over and under rollers 4l, having trunnions42, secured in a trough-like bracket 43, carried by the top and bottomof the compartments G and H. In certain cases the links 40 are equippedwith cutting or scraping spurs 40.

In order to vary the displacement. of the unit B, it is equipped withcompartments G and H, provided with ports G and H', controlled by valves44, actuated by handles 45 on valve rods 46. These compartments areflooded by opening the ports G and H and emptied by rotary .pump 47. Thepump 47 is operatedby means of a belt 48, trained over the pump shaft49, and over a shaft 50 which is rotated by the motor shaft 30, througha chain 51, as shown in Fig. 9. Pipes 52 and 53 lead to the compartmentsG and H, respectively, and the water is eX- hausted through a dischargepipe 54.

Each unit B is equipped, along each side, with a front plate 55 and arear plate 56,

and with four side plates 57, 58, 59 and 69 located in a plane betweenthe plates 55 and 56, and the lbody of the unit B, said plates beingmounted as follows:

Extending outwardly from the body of the unit B, are two brackets 59,59', supported by struts 60, there being two of said brackets on eachside, for each of the lplates 57, 58, 59 and 60. Each of the innerplates 57 58, 59 and 6() is provided with an inwardly extendinginternally-screw-threaded collar 6l, adapted to receive a rotativestub-shaft 62, which is externallyscrewthreaded, and which is support-edin a collar 63, carried at the end of the bracket 59. A bevel gear 64,carried by the shaft 62, meshes with a bevel gear 65, carried by a shaft66, the other end of said shaft carrying a pinion 67. Carried by themain shaft 3() of the motor 29, is a pinion 68 carrying a chain 69engaging the teeth of a gear 70, mounted on a stub shaft 7l; a chain 7lconnects the pinion 67 to the gear 70 carried by the shaft 7l, and achain 7 2 rotates the shaft 66. Suitable clutch mechanism is provided at73, whereby to clutch and unclutch the gear 70.

From the foregoing it will be seen that rotation of the shaft 30 in onedirection will, through the instrumentalities described, operate toraise the plate 60, while rotation of said shaft in an oppositedirection will lower said plate.l lt will be noted that there are twobrackets 59 for each of the plates, the brackets being so disposed thatthe plates are caused to slide upwardly and downwardly in a straightvertical line, wit-hout any tilting movement.

ln order to guide the plates 57, 58, 59 and 60, in their verticalmovements, l provide guideways 74, such as indicated in Figs. 13 and 14.The end guideway 74 is provided by the angle iron end 7 5 of the boat,to which is secured an angle iron 76, as indicated in Fig. 13. Fig. 14shows guideways for two plates, formed of two angle irons 77 and 7 8,and 77 and 7 8 respectively, as will be understood. As indicated. theangle iron members are carried by th outer side of the compartments Gand l'l of the boat.

The plates 55 and 56 are supported by headed pins 79, connected to theplates 57 and 60., as shown in Fig. 7, and by headed pins 80, secured tothe walls of the compartments G and H, and projecting out` wardlytherefrom, between the angle irons 77 and 77 and 78 and 7 8, as clearlyshown in' Fig.' 14. Each plate 55 and 56 is provided with alongitudinally extending` slot 8l, about midway of its side, andadjacent the top, said slot being adapted to receive the pin 79. Bymeans of this construction, lateral movement of the plate 56, withrespect to its associated plate 60, is permitted.

Il t) Adjacent each side of each of the plates 55 and 5G, are twoinclined slots S2, which receive the headed pins 80, clearlyshown in Fig. 8. Since the slots 82 are inclinerh and the pins 8O rigid, it isobvious that any downward movement of the plate 56 would cause it tosimultaneously move to the right, from the position shown in Fig. 8, andany upward movement, from the lower position just referred to, wouldresult in an inward movement to the left, tending to restore the plate Gto the position shown in Fig. S.

From the foregoing description it will be clear that, since vthe plate56 is secured to the plate GO, by the pin T9, and thereby held againstvertical movement with respect to said plate G0, any vertical movementof the latter plate will effect a corresponding vertical movement ot thetormer, while at the same time, a lateral movement of the plate 5G, withrespect to the plate Si) is being effected through the medium of theinclined slots 82 and the ixed ains'til. The extent of lateral movementof the plate 55 is determined by the length oi the slot 8l, while thevertical movement thereoie is fixed by the vertical distance between thetop and bottom of the slots 82.

The mechanisms furnishingv the power whereby the plates are lowered andraised, and the plates 55 and 56 simultaneously and automaticallyprojected and retracted, have already been described. The purpose ofthis movement of the plates will presently appear. It may here be statedthat the socalled pins7 will, in commercial usage, bo of sufficientstrength to properly support the plates 55 and 56, and that wherenecessary, antifriction bearings will be positioned between the pins andthe contacting),` walls of the slots, to insure ease and certainty ofoperation.

The channel cutting operation.

Havinga described the main units to be employed, l shall now describethe operation of said units in their employment for the purpose ofcutting` the desired channel.

It having been determined where a channel is to be cut, or a sand barimpediment removed, the necessary number of the units B, are taken onboa-rd the mother boat A, being positioned as shown iu Fig. in loading'the boat A with the units B, the latter are allowed, under their ownpower, to climb upwardly on the incline 6 along the tracks 7 of the boatA. The i'irst et the units B passes through the arches 3 of the boat A,until the desired number are. on the front end of the boat, and theremaining units are so distributed as to properly trim the boat A. InFig. 3 l have shown ten units aboard the boat A, but another unit, ifnecessary, could be positioned in the arch 3.

The loaded boat A is now navigated to the scene of operation, and theunits B, under their own power, are run down the tracks' of the proposedchannel, or of the bar to be removed, are arranged side by side,pointing up stream. In F ig. 1 l have chosen to show two units B and B2in this position,

both said units being here shown as equipped with the scrapers 40.Adjacent one side of each o'f the units B and B2, and secured thereto,are other units B3 and B4, not equipped with the scrapers. Connected tothe outer side of the frontend of' the units and Bt, are additionalunits B5 and BG arranged in alignment as shown.

The boat A is secured to the rear end of each of the units B" B2, bymeans of rigid bars 83, as shown in F ig. l, the prow of thel boat beingpositioned centrally between the two units. To each side oit theinclined prow of the boat A, is secured a unit B7, equipped withScrapers 40.

vWith the boat A and the units in the position described, over the lineof the proposed dredgingroperation, the several units may be partiallysubmerged, by opening the valves da', until the tractor elements restupon the bottom of the river the Vside plates 57, 5S, 59 and 60 beingdropped to the lowest positions, and the plates and 56, beingautomatically projected forwardly and rearwardly, respectively. By theinstrumentalities heretofore described, the boat A is sunk until ittouches` the bottom and the plates 9 and l2 are swung outwardly from theboat A, as shown in F ig. l, in line'with the inclined sides of the prowand all the units B and the boat A are started up-'V stream, crawling?,`along the bed of the river, under their own power.

As many of the pulling and water deiiect- .ing units B5 and B6 asnecessary may be provided, and it is to be notedthat each of the rows ofthese particular units is inclined outwardly from the connected unit B4tor B3, 1 resenting, between the front units B5 and B6, a relatively`large openingy to receive the water which is travelling in oppositionto the direction of travel of the units. As shown in Fig. l however, therear plates 56 of each unit overlaps the frontplates 55 of the connectedunit, effecting a sufficient water seal to force the water inwardlytowards Enough oi the units B to cover the width the central scrapingunits B and B2. The water is therefore restricted to a relatively smallpath beneath the units B and B2, and its velocity and power greatlyincreased; In the meantime the scrapers 40', carried by the tractorelements 39, of the units B, B2 and B7, are actively engaged in scrapingand digging up the bed of the river.v The water, rushing with highvelocity beneath the units B and B2, carries with it the mud, sand andother alluvial deposits dislodged by the scrapers 40 and the othertractor elements, and projects such deposits against each side of thepointed bow of the Iboat A, whence they are deflected beneath the unitsB7. It is to be noted that the side plates of the units B7 are alsolowered, and that the scrapers 4.0 are also agitating the bed of theriver. Consequently the water rushes under these units, and is led tothe tapering bow of the boat A, and thence t0 the outspread side plates9 and 12, vwhich conduct the water, and the mud, sand and alluvialdeposits carried thereby, away from the line of the channel which hasalready been cut, thereby preventing refilling thereof by such deposits.

By the use of the units as described the force of the water is utilized,not only to remove and carry off', laterally of the channel being eut,such deposits as have been disturbed by the tractor elements, but alsot0 dislodge, by reason of the velocity and force of the water,additional strata of deposits not reached by the tractor elements.

The boat A, following the several units, rides in the channel which hasbeen cut, and, since the boat is approximately 200 feet long, it. servesto sufficiently prevent eddying particles of deposit from settling inthe cut channel behind the rear of said boat. rThe boat is beingpropelled under its own power by the propelling mechanisms` l, which,dependent upon the existing conditions, may be raised free of the bottomof the river, or may engage the bottom. Furthermore, the connections 83,between the boat A, and the units B and B2, and the connections 84,between the units B3 and B5, and B4 and B6, are preferably rigid bars,whereby against a very swift current, the extremely high power of theboat A may be utilized, if necessary, to assist in pushing the severaldredging units.

rPhe units B B2 B3 and B4 are rigidly connected, by a strong bar wherebythey are held in alignment. A section of said bar is shown in Fig.` la,provided with apertures to receive arojections carried by the units,whereby the distances between said units may be fixed, as desired.

In proceeding upstream, the pulling units B5 and BG may, if necessary,be connected by aV cable 86, te prevent lateral separation orsprea-fbbut, since mechanism is provided whereby one set of the tractorelements of the units B may be run at a different speed than the otherset, in order to prevent such soread of the outer units and B the'outside tractor elements of each may be run at a higher speed than thatimparted to the tractor elements on the other side of said units.Manifestly this difference in speed of the tractor elements on oppositesides of a unit, would have the tendency of overcoming the outwardthrust of the water being trapped between the units B5 and BG.

From the foregoing it is obvious that by the manipulation 0f the boat A,and the several units B as described, the fleet may `very easily betaken to the scene of operation, quickly maneuvered into operativeposition, and that the instrumentalities will readily force the ruimingwater to cut its own channel, a'bly assisted by the tractor elementscarried by the several units B.

The battery or fieet may be operated in extremely shallow water, sincethe propelling mechanisms l, of the boat A, are capable of being loweredto engage the bottom of the river, and to thereby crawl along the bottomuntil deeper water is encountered, or until it reaches the scene ofoperation. In case the boat A should become grounded, so that it couldnot free itself under its own power, several of the units B could bet'aken off' the boat A, and connected thereto, and could drag it intodeeper water, or to the scene of operation.

It is well toV mention the fact that two complete batteries or fleetsare operable in conjunction to effect the dredging operations heretoforedescribed. In other words, another of the boats A, and additional unitsB, may be advantageously used to supplement the devices hereinbeforereferred to. By the use of the two boats A, and two complete complementsof units B, one batt-ery could be used to quickly rough-cut the channel,and the other battery could follow immediately thereafter and completethe channel. Or, when necessary, certain of the units B, carried by thesecond boat A, could be added to the water cle-fleeting units B5 and B6,or to the. channel cutting units B1, B2, B3, B4 and B7, whereby topresent a wider wing dam spread in the one case, and trap more water,and to cut the river bed for a wider channel, in the other case. In boththe above referred to instances, the boats A.y A, would follow behindthe"units. If a wider channel were being cut, the boats A, A, would beside by side, and fastened together against lateral separation, Ithebows of the boats being connected to the cutting units B1, etc, bythebars 85, and a deflecting unit B1, etc., by the bars 85, and adeflecting unit B7 positioned on each side of the tapering prow of eachof the' boats A, the buoyant plates 9l and, 12 of the outer side of llt)each boat, being spread outwardly. The great power of both boats A couldbe utlli-zed in pushing the iieet forward.

If only one set of #the cutting units B1 et al., were? used, and adouble set of the water defleoting units B5 and B6 were used, the twoboats A, A would be arranged in alignment, the prow of the rear boatbeing connected by a bar 85 to the stern of the forward boat, as will beunderstood, and a `water-deflecting unit B7 positioned on each side ofeach prow, the plates 9 and l2 on each side of each boat being spreadoutwardly. Y

As shownl in Fig. 5, the plates 9 and 12 are composed of two elementsconnected by bolts, and forming a hollow, water-tight shell, which isfilled with corlr or other material adapted to render the fplatesbuoyant. The provision ofthe cork 1lling, whereby I. the plates are madebuoyant, prevents any objectionable tilting tendency, when the platesare projected outwardly, as will be understood.l All of thewater-deflecting plates of the units B, may be similarly con- Istructed, if found necessary.

It is manifest from the foregoing that so long as any ruiming walter isin the river, the desired channel could be cut, either by propelling theboat A and the units B through the water, or along the bottom thereof,or both. It is also clear that the water-deflecting units B5 and B6,constitute self-movable wing dams. Y

Many modifications of my invention will be suggested to those skilled inthe art, but I do not limit myself to the details herein shown butdesire to avail myself of all such modifications as. fall fairly withinthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

l. The method of forming a channel in a bed of ruiming water, whichconsists in laterally confining the water to a certain path, and insimultaneously scraping the surface of said bed within the confines ofsaid path,

2. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water whichconsists in trapping the water to cause it to be confined to a straightpath, and simultaneously loose-ning the surface of said bed, within theconnes of said path.

3. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water,whichveonsists in con'- fining the water to a certain path and therebycause it to cuta section of a channel, and

`in thereafter positively diverting the walter laterally ofsaid outsection.

t. The method of forming a channel in a bed of running water, by theutilization of a movable fleet of dam units, which consists in causingsaid fleet toconcentrate the ow of water to apredetermined path, wherebythe water` is forced to cut a lsection of the channel, and inAsimultaneously moving said -fieet opposition to the flow of wat-er, tocause' Lacasse" the latte-r to cut a continuing section of `saidchannel.

5. The method of forming a channel in a bed of rimning water, whichconsists in con-V fining the water to a certain'path and thereby causeit to cut a section of the desired channel, simultaneously loosening thesurface of said bed, and simultaneously and positively diverting thewater laterally of 'the line of said cuit channel.

G. llhe method of forming channels in a bed of running water, whichconsists in causing a concentrated flow of water to pass longitudinallyabove the line of the proposed channel to cut a section thereof,simultaneously loosening the surface of said bed, and thereafter andpositively diverting` the water and contained particles laterally of theline of said channel. v

v7. The method of forming and temporarily maintaining channels in a bedof running water, which .consists in causing a concentrated fiow ofwater to pass longiturlinally immediately above the line of the desiredchannel, to cut a section thereof, in simultaneously loosening thesurface of said bed, in diverting the water and contained particleslaterally of the line of said channel, and inthereafter temporarilyfilling the section cut by said water.

8. The method of forming and temporarily maintaining channels in a bedof rnnning water, which consists in forcing the ruiming water to cut asection of a channel, and in temporarily filling said section to preventrefilling thereof by the deposits carried by the water.

9. The method of progressively forming i and temporarily maintaining achannel in a body of running water, by the utilization of waterconfining means, which consists in forcing the water to cut successiveand continuing sections of the desired channel, and in temporarilyfilling eachsection as it is cut whereby to prevent the immediate refillthereof by the deposits carried by the water.

10. The method of progressively and conA tinuously cutting a channel ina bed of running water, which consists in progressively trapping andconcentrating the fiowing water at diiferent points along the line ofthe proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cutcontinuing portions of the channel desired and in simultaneouslyscraping the surface of said bed, belowthe concentrated flow. f

ll. The method of progressively and continuously cutting a channel in abed of runleo cut portions of the channel, the water which has effectedthe cut.

l2. The method of progressively and continuously cutting channel in bedof running water, which consists in progressively trapping andconcentrating the flowing water at different points along the line ofthe proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cutcontinuing portions of the channel desired and in progressively andtemporarily preventing access of the water to the cut portions of thechannel.

13. The method of progressively and continuously cutting a channel in abed of running water, which consists in progressively trapping andconcentrating the `flowing water at different points along the line ofthe proposed channel, thereby forcing the water to progressively cutcontinuing portions of the channel desired, in simultaneously looseningthe surface of said bed, below the concentrated flow, in simultaneouslydiverting, laterally of the cut portions of the channel, the water whichhas effected the cut, and in progressively and temporarily preventingaccess of water to the cut portions of the channel.

la. The method of cutting a channel in a a channel in a bed of runningwater, which consists in arranging a plurality of dam units in positionto concentrate the flow of water in a straight line along the path ofthe desired channel, and in simultaneously loosening the surface of saidbed, whereby to facilitate the cutting of the channel by the water flowand in progressively moving said units and means along the line of thedesired channel vwithout disturbing their' relative positions,substantially as described.

i6. The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of runningwater, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition tothe water flow and in simultaneously scraping the surface of said bed,whereby the water is forced to cut suo cessive sections in the bed ofthe desired channel. f

17. rlhe method of cutting a continuous channel in al bed of runningwater, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition tothe water fiow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sectionsin the bed of the desired channel, and in siniultaneously scraping thesurface of said bed.

18. The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of ruimingwater, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition tothe water flow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sectionsin the bed of thc desired channel and in positively and laterallydiverting the water from the cut sections of the channel,

l). The method of cutting a continuous channel in a bed of ruiming waterwhich consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition to the waterflow, whereby the water is forced to cut successivo sections of the bedof the desired channel, simultaneously loosening' the surface of saidbed, and .in laterally diverting the water from the cut sections of thechannel.

Q0. The method of cutting a continu-ous channel in a bed of runningwater, which consists in moving converging wing dams in opposition tothe water flow, whereby the water is forced to cut successive sectionsin the bed of the desired channel, and in teinporarily and positivelypreventing water and the deposits carried thereby from entering saidsections immediately after the cutting operation;

21. A' dredging apparatus comprising` a large boat, in combination witha plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat beingadapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredgingoperation, said boat and each of said units being selfepropclled.

22. ii.. dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination witha plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat beingadapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredgingoperation, said boat and each of said units being self-propelled andadapted to travel through the water, or along the bottom thereof.

23. A dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with aplurality of dredging units smaller Ythan said boat, said boat beingadapted to receive and transport said units to the scene of dredgingoperation, said boat and each of said units being self-propelled andprovided with means for varying its displacement.

2st. A dredging apparatus coniprising a large boat, in combination witha plurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, said boat beingadapted to receive and trans port said units to the scene of dredgingoperation, said boat and each of said. units being self-propelled andprovided with means adapted for movement from normal position. wherebyto deflect running water from its normal path, for the purposes setforth.

25. i dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with aplurality of dredging units smaller than said b said boat being adaptedto receive and transport said units to the scene of dredging operation,said boat'and each of said units lOl) Cil

being self-propelled and adapted to travel through the water or alongthe bottom thereof, with additional means adapted for varying itsdisplacement, and with means adapted for movement from normal position,whereby to deflect running water from its normal path, during thedredging operation.

26. A dredging apparatus comprising a large boat, in combination with aplurality of dredging units smaller than said boat, the boat beingself-propelled and adapted to receive and transport said units to thescene of dredging operation, and adapted to function as a materialfactor in temporarily f maintaining said channel as it is cut,substantially as described.

27. A dredging apparatus comprising a plurality of self-propelled damunits each provided with means for causing running water to cut adesired channel, in combination with a larger self-propelled boatadapted to transport said units to the scene of operation, and tothereafter operate to temporarily till successive portions of thechannel immediately after said portions have been cut by the runningwater, substantially as described.

28. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adaptedfor formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to acertain path, along the line of the channel desired, and other unitsprovided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposedchannel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut thechannel.

29. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adaptedfor formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to acertain path, along the line of the channel desired, other unitsprovided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposedchannel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut thechannel and means down stream from said units, adapted to laterallydivert the flow of water from said cut channel.

30. A channel-cutting apparatus comprising self-propelled units adaptedfor formation to confine and concentrate a flow of running water to acertain path, along the line of the channel desired, other unitsprovided with means for loosening the surface strata of said proposedchannel, whereby to force the flow of concentrated water to cut thechannel and means down stream from said units, adapted to laterallydivert the flow of water from said cut channel, said means comprising abody movable in the channel as it is cut.

3l. Apparatus for forming a channel in a bed of ruiming water,comprising a plurality of self-propelled units adapted for formation toconfine and concentrate the running water to a certain path along theline Of the channel desired, whereby to forcethe water to cut thechannel, other units provided with means for loosening the surfacestrata of said proposed channel, whereby to facilitate the cutting ofthe channel, and a powered body movable in the cut channel, behind saidunits, and adapted to temporarily prevent access of water to said cutchannel, said body being operable to assist in the movement of saidunits against the flow of water, substantially as described.

32. A channel-dredging apparatus comprising units adapted for formationto confine and concentrate a iiow of water to a certain short path alongthe line of the channel desired, whereby the water is forced to cut thechannel, means operable insaid path to` loosen the surface strata ofsaid proposed channel, and powered means at the down-stream end of saidpath operable to mechanically divert thefwater laterally of the cutchannel, substantially as described.

83. A dredging boat provided with laterally7 extensible memberscomprising hollow plates filled with buoyant material for the purposesset forth. Y Y

34k. A boat provided with buoyantwaterdetlecting members which arevertically and longitudinally movable with respect to the boat for thepurposes set forth.

35. f. dredging boat provided with a pivoted laterally extensible memberon each side, said members comprising hollow shells filled with buoyantmaterial, and means for extending and retracting said member.

36. A dredging boat provided with a laterally extensible shell pivotedto each side, and with a second laterally extensible member pivoted tosaid first mentioned shell, .said shell being illed with buoyantmaterial, substantially as described.

3'?. A dredging boat provided with a laterally extensible hollow platepivoted to each side, and with a second laterally eXtensible hollowplate pivoted to said first mentioned plate, said plate being filledwith buoyant material and means for separately extending and retractingeachof said' plates.

38. A dredging boat equipped for selfpropulsion through the water oralong the bed thereof, and provided along its sides with means movableto change the direction of flow of the water along the sides of theboat.

39. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the sidethereof, a shaft extending Vthrough the side of the boat and connectedto said plate and means operable by the boat motor, for rotating saidshaft to extend or retract said plate.

40A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the sidethereof` a screw-threaded shaft extending through the side of said boat,a screw-threaded bearing surrounding said shaft, and means connected tothe motor of the boat for rotating the bea-ring to laterally move saidshaft.

41. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted` to the sidethereof and carrying a bracket having an elongated slot, a shaft carriedby the boat and having an end slidably connected to the slot in saidbracket and means for extending and retracting said shaft to shift theplate with respect to said boat.

4Q. A motored dredging boat provided with a plate pivoted to the sidethereof` a screw-threaded shaft extending through the side of said boat.a screw-threaded bearing surrounding said shaft, and means connected tothe motor of the boat for rotating the bearing to laterally move saidshaft, said means comprising a gear carried by said bearing inoperativeengagement with a pinion carried by a shaft connected tol said motor.

43. A dredging unit provided along its` j ried by the unit and movablelaterally with respect to said member.

46. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable waterdeiiecting member, a water deflecting element secured to said member,and means whereby movement of said member will automatically move saidelement laterally.

47. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable waterdeflecting member, a water deflecting element mounted adjacent saidmember, and pin and slot connections between said member and element,whereby the desired movement of the one will automatically impart thedesired movement to the other.

48. A dredging unit provided on its side -with a vertically movable`water deflecting member, a water deflecting element mounted injuxtaposition to said member, and provided with a horizontal slot, and apin carried by said member and extending through said slot, whereby thevertical movement of the member will cause a similar movement of theelement.

49. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movable waterdeflecting member, a water defiecting element mounted in juxtapositionto saidrmember, and provided with a horizontal slot, a pin carried bysaid member and extending through said slot, whereby the verticalmovement of the member will cause a similar movement of the element, aninclined slot in said element, and a pin iixed to the unit and extendingthrough said inclined slot, whereby any vertical movement of saidelement will also cause a lateral movement thereof.

50. A dredging unit provided on its side with a water deiectingl elementwhich is projectable beyond the end of the unit.

5l. A dredging unit provided on its side with a water deflecting elementwhich is vertically movable and projectable beyond the end of the unit.A

52. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with vertically andlaterally movable water deflecting members, and means connected to themotor for imparting the desired movement to said members.

A motored dredging unit provided on its side with water deflectingmembers capable of vertical and lateral movement, and

' means connected to the motor. whereby vertical movement is imparted tocertain of said members, and means for simultaneously and automaticallyimparting a lateral movement to other of said members.

54. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with two parallelplates, a screwthreaded shaft operatively connected to the motor, and inscrew-threaded engagement with the inner of said plates, pin and slotconnections between the two plates, and pin and slot connections betweenthe outer plate and the unit, whereby rotation of said shaft will causea vertical movement of both plates, and a lateral movement of the outerplate with respect to the inner plate.

55. A dredging unit provided on its side with a vertically movableplate, oppositely facing guideways carried by the unit and adapted toreceive the edges of said plate, a second plate suspended from saidfirst plate and capable of lateral movement with respect thereto, saidsecond plate being so secured to the unit, by pin and slot connections,that any vertical movement of the second plate will automatically causea lateral movement thereof with respect to said first mentioned plate.

56. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with a projecting`bracket carrying a screw-threaded shaft rotativelv connected to the unitmotor, and a plate slidably positioned on guideways on they outer sideof the boat, and provided with a screw-threaded collar surrounding saidshaft, whereby rotation of the latter will operate to cause a verticalreciprocation of said plate, substantially as described.

57. A motored dredging unit provided on its side with a projectingbracket carrying a screw-threaded shaft rotatively connected to the unitmotor, a plate slidably positioned on guideways on the outer side of theboat, and provided with a screw-threaded collar surrounding said shaft,whereby rotation of the latter will operate to' cause al verticalreciprocation of said plate, in combination with a plate-like element sosecured to said plate and said unit, that a vertical reciprocation ofsaid plate will Cause a sinlilar move ment of said element', andsimultaneously and automatically impart to said element a lateralvmovement relative to said plate, sube stantially as'v described;

` movable plates, and at each end with platelike elements which arevertically movable and simultaneously projectable beyond the ends of theunit and means connected to the motor for imparting the desired movementto said plates and said elements.

60. Aoatable dam unit provided with means for varying its displacement,and

tically and laterally movable plates on itsV sides, with means carriedbv the propelling mechanisms adapted to loosen the bed oi' the water,and with instriunentalities connected to the motor whereby the power ofd the latter maybe utilized to propel the boat, move the plates andoperate the means for loosening` the bed of the water7 substantially asdescribed.

62. A dam constructed of units arranged in convergingl relation wherebythe water is trapped and concentrated to a certain path, each of saidunits being self-propulsive, substantially as described. j

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiX my signature.

CARL J. BAER.

